Legacy Media Embraces "Femininomenon" Hype, Ignores Kamala Harris' Weaknesses

Despite Vice President Kamala Harris's lack of charisma and political missteps, legacy media outlets are wholeheartedly embracing the "Femininomenon" marketing campaign, celebrating her perceived coolness and avoiding any critical scrutiny of her record.

The term "Femininomenon," a blend of "feminine" and "phenomenon," has become a rallying cry for Kamala Harris's campaign, complete with T-shirts and a TikTok video amassing millions of views. The vice president's marketing team is attempting to portray her as hip and relatable, particularly to young and LGBTQ+ voters.

Legacy Media Embraces "Femininomenon" Hype, Ignores Kamala Harris' Weaknesses

However, the legacy media's uncritical embrace of this branding exercise is deeply problematic. Instead of holding Harris accountable for her stances on policy issues, journalists are pedaling the narrative of a "cool" and "vibey" candidate.

This phenomenon is reminiscent of the "brat summer" trend, where superficial aesthetics and lime green everything took precedence over substance. Politicians like Harris have embraced such marketing tactics to project an image of coolness, regardless of their actual qualifications or policies.

Legacy Media Embraces "Femininomenon" Hype, Ignores Kamala Harris' Weaknesses

CNN anchor Kasie Hunt has summed up this trend as a "vibes election," where the media avoids confronting candidates on their positions for fear of undermining their "cool factor."

Sadly, this media strategy has a long history, as journalists have been drawn to charismatic and strong speakers like John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. However, Harris lacks the natural charisma and eloquence of these past candidates.

Legacy Media Embraces "Femininomenon" Hype, Ignores Kamala Harris' Weaknesses

The media's desperation to promote Harris has led to absurd headlines celebrating her "muscular patriotism," a bakery's "Kamala Cake," and her "cooking wisdom." CNN went so far as to compare her tan suit to Obama's, while the New York Times and other outlets highlighted her grandniece's reaction to her nomination.

Instead of providing meaningful analysis, the media has resorted to manufacturing moments and promoting superficial anecdotes. CNN's staged story about Harris's young grandniece epitomizes this trend.

Legacy Media Embraces "Femininomenon" Hype, Ignores Kamala Harris' Weaknesses

The "Femininomenon" hype is a testament to the legacy media's abandonment of objective journalism in favor of partisan cheerleading. Kamala Harris may be lacking in substance and charisma, but the media is determined to portray her as a revolutionary phenomenon, regardless of the consequences for informed public discourse.

Ultimately, it is the public's responsibility to demand better from the media and to hold candidates accountable for their policies and actions, regardless of their marketing campaigns or perceived coolness.

Legacy Media Embraces "Femininomenon" Hype, Ignores Kamala Harris' Weaknesses